Quick Facts

Program Overview

You already know that behavior doesn’t have to be a barrier to success. Equip yourself with the degree that allows you to let the world know it, too. With the increasing demand for certified professionals who can deliver effective behavior solutions, there’s never been a better time to pursue your Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Our experiential program encourages you to apply what you’re learning right here, right now. The knowledge you gain through your studies and internship experiences will support the work you’re already doing, all while gaining the supervision hours required to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board national exam. Current information about first-time pass rates for certification exams is available under the VCS Pass Rates webpage.

Our behavior analysis approach intersects scientific methodology with an emphasis on personal investment. After graduation, you’ll know how to go beyond the data to build an emotional rapport with clients, clients’ families and the school systems in which you work to implement a holistic strategy to behavior modification.

Tuition & Aid

$953 per credit hour

26% in-service scholarship for educators (MS)

Scholarship Information

As you give back to the community, Lipscomb University wants to give back to you. The College of Education offers significant scholarships to current educators and administrators. Those pursuing career as a teacher, you're not left out either! Check out the following information to see if you qualify for scholarships.

All completed applications should be mailed to:

Lipscomb University
College of Education
One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204

The College of Education offers full-time teachers, teacher assistants and/or administrators who enroll in the on-campus graduate education program an in-service scholarship. This is a 20 percent scholarship for all Doctor of Education and Education Specialist level course, and a 26 percent scholarship for all Master of Education level courses. An appropriate school employment official must certify that the conditions for the scholarship have been met.

The College of Education offers students from a traditionally underrepresented group who are interested in an initial teaching license the Cultural Diversity Teacher Training Scholarship. The scholarship will be granted to those candidates with the greatest need based on their FAFSA data and expected family contribution (EFC).

The Maxine D. Whittle Scholarship Fund was initially established in 2013 to be awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in special needs education or a graduate student working towards a Master’s degree in special education or reading who demonstrates significant financial need.

Maxine D. Whittle was a special education teacher from Massachusetts who worked with students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and emotional disturbance. She held a Master of Education degree in special education and a certificate in reading therapy. She encouraged students to develop both reading and life skills with the importance of the “three Rs” which are Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness. She blessed many students and families with her work.

Mrs. Whittle’s husband, Charles Whittle, established this scholarship fund in her memory in order to carry on Mrs. Whittle’s legacy of providing high quality special education to students.

Whittle Special Education Scholarship Guidelines

The following guidelines have been developed to assist candidates with financial support in their pursuit of a special education master’s degree and/or teaching license. Candidates can be considered for resources made available through the Whittle Special Education Scholarship, based on the guidelines listed below:

Candidates must be pursuing a special education degree.

Priority will be given to candidates having greatest need based on FASFA data and expected family contribution (EFC). Students who qualify for this scholarship must be eligible to file FASFA in order to qualify. FASFA must be filed by August 1.

Funds will be distributed as available on an annual basis.

Recipients will be notified of award prior to university deadline for payment of fees.

Awards will be given based on the needs of candidate(s).

Applications must be completed and submitted by mid-term of the semester preceding the semester in which the award will be given.

Candidates will be expected to submit multiple documents for use by the university staff to inform contributors to the fund.

Candidates must volunteer at least 15 hours a semester for the IDEAL program.

Earn a scholarship coaching future teachers! You can earn a $4,000 scholarship by showing our future teachers your own classroom experiences. Join a M.Ed. or Ed.S. program at Lipscomb University in Instructional Coaching with a Certificate in Instructional Coaching.

The Ayers Foundation offers scholarships for aspiring school leaders. Ayers Leadership Fellows will be selected from a pool of applicants based on merit and innovative partnerships with their individual school districts.

The College of Education awards scholarships each semester, as university funding is available. Scholarships are awarded by the Graduate Education Scholarship Committee on a case by case basis. All documentation must be submitted before it will be considered by the scholarship committee. A 3.0 G.P.A. is required to be eligible and maintain the scholarship. Recipients must also have full admission status. Please contact Kristi McGimsey at kristi.mcgimsey@lipscomb.edu or 615.966.6081 for more information.

Types of Aid

A number of graduate scholarships and assistantships are available. These are offered by individual departments and programs and may be awarded based on academic standing, work experience and financial need. All assistantships will include responsibility for administrative, teaching, or departmental duties, depending on the program.

As a graduate student, you are still able to file the FAFSA—and you should! By filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you may be eligible for a number of student loans.

Federal Stafford Loan

A borrower must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment for at least six semester hours and must be working toward a degree or certificate. Loans must be actively accepted in myLipscomb in order to be applied as an expected payment to the student bill. Stafford Loans will not pay until the student has completed both Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov. Loans will not be credited to accounts until 30 days after classes begin or when a student begins the sixth credit hour, whichever comes last.

Graduate PLUS Loan

The Graduate PLUS Loan is available to independent graduate students. Both loans require credit approval by the Department of Education, as well as a FAFSA submission. Apply at www.studentloans.gov.

Private Loans

In addition to the federal loans outlined here, you may consider private loans made by banks and other financial institutions. It is recommended that private loans only be considered in instances where funding is needed in addition to any federal loans, as interest rates may be higher. Eligibility for these loans requires a credit check and students are often required to have a cosigner to qualify.

Through an agreement with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, Lipscomb University will guarantee some level of graduate tuition funding, applicable to all Lipscomb University graduate programs, for graduate students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Depending on program tuition rates, the graduate tuition funding may or may not cover the total tuition cost of the program.

The Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post- 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses. For eligibility requirements, go to www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

Any questions concerning eligibility or benefits should be directed to the VA school-certifying official located in the lower level of Bennett Campus Center, Suite 140, or visit their website.

Networking

Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer myriad ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These connections will serve and support you throughout your career.

Nashville

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

5:1

Student to faculty ratio in supervision courses

Our Faculty

Annette Little

Associate Professor

Annette Little taught special education classes in residential treatment centers, public schools, and alternative schools for eight years before moving into higher education. She then spent four years directing research...

Career Paths

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to students with mild and moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills, such as literacy and communication techniques, to students with severe disabilities.

Psychologists

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.

Behavior Analysts

Behavior analysts specialize in counseling individuals, with an emphasis on prevention and behavior modification. They help individuals with a wide range of mental and emotional health problems, addictions, family or parenting problems, stress management and self-esteem concerns, and issues associated with aging.